VP, Intellectual Property – Biologics
Neurocrine Biosciences
August 17, 2026
Remote friendly (Home Gardens, CA)
United States
Corporate Functions
About The Role
Strategic leader responsible for worldwide intellectual property (IP) efforts for the company’s US-based biologics portfolio, including patent prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement. Leads the in-house IP team and outside counsel relationships.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and strategically manage in-house patent team (US biologics) and related outside counsel.
- Serve on IP leadership team reporting to the Swiss-based Global Head of Intellectual Property.
- Draft and review IP work product; direct and provide hands-on input.
- Identify and navigate worldwide patent opportunities/risks.
- Drive IP due diligence, technology assessments, and freedom-to-operate (FTO) for strategic transactions; supervise outside counsel.
- Counsel key stakeholders on protecting/defending IP worldwide (including lead assets and early-stage research).
- Manage in-house/outside counsel for IP proceedings, challenges, disputes, litigation (including biosimilar litigation).
- Build budgets, forecast resources for patent drafting/prosecution/maintenance/enforcement.
- Enhance IP processes (portfolio reviews, long-range planning, patent review committee, invention disclosures, pre-publication review, IP contract provisions).
Requirements / Skills
- JD; admission to practice in California preferred.
- 15+ years IP experience with significant in-house and/or law firm biologic drug patent experience.
- Advanced degree in biology, chemistry, or related field.
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (required).
- Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and cross-functional business acumen.
- Demonstrated leadership influencing senior management (C-suite); ability to mentor and manage; strong written/oral communication.
- Patent expertise: preparation, US/foreign prosecution, IP due diligence, strategic counseling, and IP litigation (incl. biosimilar litigation; market exclusivity-related regulatory aspects).
Compensation / Benefits
- Annual base salary: $308,000–$420,000; annual bonus target 40% of earned base; equity long-term incentive eligibility.
- Benefits: retirement savings with company match, paid vacation/holidays/personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and medical/prescription drug/dental/vision coverage.
Strategic leader responsible for worldwide intellectual property (IP) efforts for the company’s US-based biologics portfolio, including patent prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement. Leads the in-house IP team and outside counsel relationships.
Responsibilities
- Oversee and strategically manage in-house patent team (US biologics) and related outside counsel.
- Serve on IP leadership team reporting to the Swiss-based Global Head of Intellectual Property.
- Draft and review IP work product; direct and provide hands-on input.
- Identify and navigate worldwide patent opportunities/risks.
- Drive IP due diligence, technology assessments, and freedom-to-operate (FTO) for strategic transactions; supervise outside counsel.
- Counsel key stakeholders on protecting/defending IP worldwide (including lead assets and early-stage research).
- Manage in-house/outside counsel for IP proceedings, challenges, disputes, litigation (including biosimilar litigation).
- Build budgets, forecast resources for patent drafting/prosecution/maintenance/enforcement.
- Enhance IP processes (portfolio reviews, long-range planning, patent review committee, invention disclosures, pre-publication review, IP contract provisions).
Requirements / Skills
- JD; admission to practice in California preferred.
- 15+ years IP experience with significant in-house and/or law firm biologic drug patent experience.
- Advanced degree in biology, chemistry, or related field.
- Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (required).
- Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal, and cross-functional business acumen.
- Demonstrated leadership influencing senior management (C-suite); ability to mentor and manage; strong written/oral communication.
- Patent expertise: preparation, US/foreign prosecution, IP due diligence, strategic counseling, and IP litigation (incl. biosimilar litigation; market exclusivity-related regulatory aspects).
Compensation / Benefits
- Annual base salary: $308,000–$420,000; annual bonus target 40% of earned base; equity long-term incentive eligibility.
- Benefits: retirement savings with company match, paid vacation/holidays/personal days, paid caregiver/parental and medical leave, and medical/prescription drug/dental/vision coverage.